Knitting a Baby Cardigan, A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a handmade baby cardigan is a loving way to welcome a new member into the family. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to knit a simple yet charming baby cardigan, perfect for beginners and experienced knitters alike.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Soft, baby-friendly yarn in your chosen color.
- Knitting Needles: Size 3.5 or 4 mm needles, or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Additional Tools: A tapestry needle, stitch markers, and scissors.
Gauge
The gauge is essential to ensure that the cardigan fits well. For this pattern, aim for 22 stitches and 30 rows to make a 10 cm square in stockinette stitch.
Pattern Overview
This pattern is for a size 0-3 months baby cardigan. It features a simple garter stitch border and stockinette stitch body.
Instructions
1. Back Panel
- Cast On: Begin by casting on 58 stitches.
- Garter Stitch Border: Knit in garter stitch (knit every row) for 8 rows.
- Stockinette Stitch Body: Switch to stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side) and continue until the piece measures 15 cm from the cast-on edge.
- Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely.
2. Front Panels (Make Two)
- Cast On: Cast on 29 stitches for each panel.
- Follow the same pattern as the back panel until each piece measures 15 cm.
- Neckline Shaping: Begin neckline decreases by binding off the first 3 stitches at the beginning of the next right-side row. Continue decreasing 1 stitch at the neckline edge every other row until 20 stitches remain. Knit until the piece matches the back panel's length.
- Bind Off: Bind off the remaining stitches.
3. Sleeves (Make Two)
- Cast On: Cast on 34 stitches.
- Garter Stitch Cuff: Knit 8 rows in garter stitch.
- Increase: Increase 1 stitch at each end of the next and every following 6th row until you have 44 stitches.
- Continue: Knit in stockinette stitch until the sleeve measures about 17 cm.
- Bind Off: Bind off all stitches.
4. Finishing
- Sew the Shoulders: Sew shoulder seams together.
- Set in Sleeves: Sew sleeves into armholes.
- Side Seams: Sew side and sleeve seams.
- Button Bands: Pick up stitches along the front edges and knit a garter stitch band. Add buttonholes on one side.
- Collar: Pick up stitches around the neckline and knit a few rows in garter stitch.
- Final Touches: Sew on buttons and weave in all loose ends.
This baby cardigan is a delightful project that can be completed in a few days. Its simplicity makes it perfect for those new to knitting, while also providing a satisfying project for more experienced crafters. The end result is a cozy, handmade garment that will be treasured.